Wastewater

When a problem relating to odor from the wastewater system is suspected, customers should first inspect all access points to the sewer system on their property, such as cleanouts and drains, to ensure they are closed and secured.

Sewer gas could be flammable, displace oxygen or contain toxic materials that should not be inhaled and could be a serious threat to life and health.

Wastewater contains small concentrations of dissolved gases. Some of these gases are carbon dioxide resulting from the decomposition of organic matter, nitrogen dissolved from the atmosphere, dissolved oxygen and hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide gas is toxic. It is heavier than air and will collect in low places. Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for the rotten-egg odor of wastewaters. Only a small amount is enough to cause an odor.

Prevent Problems

Residential plumbing systems have P-traps. These are curved pipes that collect water. They prevent odors from backing up into the house because the water in the trap acts as an airtight seal that blocks out the odor.

• Fixtures that don't have any P-traps should be corrected.
• If there are any openings in the waste plumbing from removed fixtures, these need to be closed.
• Cleanout caps need to be replaced after servicing.
• Sewer pipes should never be allowed to rust or corrode through, allowing sewer vapors to leak through.

These are all potentially dangerous situations that should be corrected by a qualified plumber at once. They constitute a harmful vapor hazard in the home.

Protect Yourself

Keep Water In All P-Traps

Water should be added regularly to plumbing fixtures, especially any seldom-used sinks, toilets or floor drains that may have dried out. If any fixtures have not been used in a while, the water in the water-seal traps may have evaporated which could allow sewer gas and odors to enter your home or business.

Report Problems

If you need to report sewer gas odors at any time, call 480-644-2262. If the odor is strong, evacuate the building and make the calls from a neighbor's house. 

We deal with blockages in the sewer line main located in the street or alley. Blockages are most often caused by a variety of items people put down their drains and by tree roots. The good news is that this type of blockage is preventable.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause sewer blockages and a major headache for property owners. A pipe joint or crack in a sewer line can create an opening for roots. One way to help avoid root intrusion is to be aware of the location of sewer lines on your property and to plant trees more than 10 feet away.

Fats, Oil and Grease

Fats, oil and grease (FOG) in liquid form may not seem harmful, but as it cools, it congeals and hardens sticking to the inner lining of the sewer line.  This restricts the wastewater flow, eventually causing a blockage - and a mess!  Prevent problems by pouring fat, oil and grease in a container and placing it in the trash (don't wash FOG down the drain); wipe FOG from pans and dishes; and place a strainer in the sink to catch debris which can cause a future blockage.

If you have a large amount of cooking oil to dispose of, recycle it at one of our oil recycling locations.

Wipes and Personal Items

Disposable does not always mean flushable. Cleaning wipes and baby wipes do not break apart like toilet tissue. They get stuck in sewer pipes and sewer pumping equipment.

Be kind to your plumbing. Put used wipes and sanitary products in the trash. Costs for hiring a plumber to unclog your private sewer line typically range from  $75 to $350. These costs do not include the time it takes you to clean up the sewage that may have backed up or the time spent calling and waiting for a plumber.   

Safe Disposal of FOG and Personal Items

What To Do When There Is a Blockage

If you suspect a root intrusion in your sewer line or a blockage caused by items that have been flushed or put down the drain, contact a licensed plumber for the best method of addressing the problem. 

If a licensed plumber advises that the blockage or problem lies in the sewer main line, please contact Wastewater Collection at 480-644-2262.  A fee will be assessed for the City to come onto your property to locate, identify and evaluate the issue with your sewer service line and for attempting to restore service.  A signed Sewer Blockage Waiver Form(PDF, 416KB) will also be required.

Service Line Warranty Program

Service Line Warranties of America is offering Mesa residents an OPTIONAL warranty program for service line repairs. The warranty program covers repairs or replacements which occur on the outside sewer service line (lateral line) that runs from your home to the point where Mesa is responsible for repairs (main line).

We treat the public sewer manholes for cockroaches. A latex-based insecticide paint is used to coat the inside of manhole walls. Once the insecticide paint is applied, it is effective at controlling cockroach re-infestation for at least two years.

The Roach Hotline (480-644-3550) is an easy way to report infestations or sightings of cockroaches suspected of originating from Mesa's sanitary sewer system. When a call is received Wastewater Collection Services will respond in one of two ways:

1. Records will be reviewed and if the manhole has been treated within the last two years, the caller will be notified. No field check will be performed.
2. If records indicate no insecticide has been applied to the manhole near the caller's address in the last two years, a field check will be performed. Nearby sanitary sewer manholes will be treated with insecticide and the caller will be informed whether roaches were observed or not.

Roach Control Tips

• Keep drains covered if not in use for long periods of time.
• Keep drains filled with water to keep P-traps from drying out.
• Attach properly fitted door sweeps, caulk around windows and seal any cracks in a building's foundation.
• Check for cracks or crevices in baseboards, water pipes, vents or windows that could be potential entryways.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers, including pet food.
• Use a professional exterminator to regularly treat your home or business inside and out.

Roach Hotline:  480-644-3550